Two arrested in McMinnville home invasion robbery

McMINNVILLE -- After a lengthy investigation, police have arrested two transients in connection with a Jan. 25 home invasion robbery.

Gary Alan Steele, 41, was being held in the Yamhill County Correctional Facility on accusations of second-degree robbery, second-degree theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $160,000.

Nella Marie Dodge, 26, was being held on an accusation of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $5,000.

Capt. Rob Edgell, special operations commander for McMinnville police, said a 35-year-old McMinnville man reported on Jan. 25 that a stranger arrived at his apartment around 12:25 p.m., asking to use his bathroom.

Nella Marie Dodge

The resident then allowed the stranger inside, before changing his mind. A fight ensued when the stranger demanded money and drugs.

Edgell said the stranger grabbed the resident's car keys, then drove away with an accomplice.